Agricultural Engineer – Irrigation Systems Designer

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Company vehicle

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks an Agricultural Engineer specialized in irrigation systems to design, implement and maintain advanced irrigation across large farming operations. The role emphasizes water resource management, hydraulics knowledge, and site-based work.

You will collaborate with farm managers and agronomists, select pumps and components, and ensure compliance with water regulations. CAD design and on-site guidance are key parts of the role, with opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years designing and managing irrigation systems.
• Strong hydraulics, fluid mechanics, soil-water-plant knowledge.
• Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Experience with irrigation technologies and water management.
• Valid driver's license for Gauteng travel.

Responsibilities

• Design efficient irrigation systems across drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot.
• Conduct site assessments based on topography, soil, and crop water needs.
• Calculate water flow, pressure, and system capacity.
• Select pumps, pipes, valves, and other irrigation components.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Develop maintenance schedules for all irrigation infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot irrigation performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with water regulations and conservation strategies.
• Create CAD designs and schematics.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to align irrigation with crop goals.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

Field assessments

Project management

Teamwork

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise operating in Tembisa, Gauteng , is actively seeking a skilled Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems. This role is critical to ensuring efficient water resource management across extensive farming operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced irrigation solutions tailored to diverse crop needs and environmental conditions. This position demands a blend of technical expertise, practical problem-solving, and a deep understanding of hydraulics and soil-water dynamics. You will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by optimizing water use efficiency, thereby reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The role involves significant site work, collaborating closely with farm managers and technical teams. We are looking for an innovative engineer who can adapt to evolving agricultural technologies and contribute to the long-term success of our client's operations in Gauteng, South Africa . This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a tangible impact in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and planning efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems.
• Conducting site assessments to determine optimal system layouts based on topography, soil type, and crop water requirements.
• Calculating water flow rates, pressure, and system capacity for new and existing installations.
• Selecting appropriate pumps, pipes, valves, and other irrigation components.
• Overseeing the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Developing and implementing maintenance schedules for all irrigation infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to irrigation system performance.
• Ensuring compliance with water usage regulations and promoting water conservation strategies.
• Utilizing CAD software for creating detailed irrigation system designs and schematics.
• Collaborating with agronomists and farm managers to align irrigation strategies with crop production goals.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and soil-water-plant relationships.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for design work.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and water management techniques.
• Knowledge of pump selection, system optimization, and water distribution networks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to conduct field assessments and provide technical guidance on-site.
• A valid driver's license is essential for travel within Gauteng.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary package.
• Performance-based incentives and potential for project bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Exposure to innovative irrigation technologies and large-scale agricultural projects.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a reputable company.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and water resource management in South Africa .
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to company vehicles for business-related travel.
• Supportive management and a team-oriented culture.